Heroic Police Efforts

The past few weeks West valley City Police have been spotlighted in the news for the good ongoing work, investigations, and their pursuit of criminals. I am certain that if you spoke to any officer about their hard work and successes they would say that they are just doing their job. Last week in City Council meetings the Police Chief reported to the Council regarding police efforts, goals, and strategies for the coming year. The facts and figures of the report are an important part of evaluating the health and needs of the City.

On a final note I wanted to share a letter from an individual that lives across the country, but had heard about an incident where one of our officers responded to the scene of an accident. If you have not heard of the story a version can be read/seen here:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53127345-78/peck-bus-com-video.html.csp

A copy of the letter from Merle R. of Virginia is below.

My name is Merle Xxxxxx Rxxxxxx Jr. I'm a student at Norfolk State University and a very comitted civil rights activist in the state of Virginia. I read the article on one of your heroic police officers. Police Officer Kevin Peck, the officer who came to the aid of a fellow citizen that had been pinned underneath the bus. His actions was extrodinary and sent chills down my spine to see such a
Officer dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens within his jurisdiction. He stayed there with the lady that was trapped underneath the bus until help had arrived. I just wanted to say that Im proud to be writing a letter in support and not a complaint against another police officer. I applaud his actions and hope to have a chance to meet him in the future. It is these type of acts by police officers that make it clear that it is a fine line between good and corrupt cops. I wish the lady well and hope for a very speedy recovery. I wish West Valley City, Utah and this great police officer a very Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

Thanks for your time and dedication,

Congress of Cities

Below is a copy of a written report that I submitted with the City Council regarding the National League of Cities Congress of Cities. It was an information packed gathering and I was also named to be the Vice Chair of the First Tier suburbs committee:


Councilmember Rushton
Council Report
November 15, 2011
Congress of Cities nlc Conference
Summary
From November 9-12 I attended and represented West Valley City at the National League of Cities Congress of Cities in Phoenix Arizona. This year’s conference was actually offered four concurrent conferences to provide more in-depth exploration of the most pressing challenges facing cities. The conference(s) focused on Economic Development, Green Cities, Infrastructure and Families. The conference at the Phoenix Convention Center began Wednesday and ended at the Arizona Science Center Saturday evening. It featured a large number workshops and mobile tours.
The seminars I attended this week included “Local Land Use Planning Solutions for Livability” and “Partnerships for Success: Building and Strengthening Partnerships in your Community and
Region” among others. I also participated in the First Tier Suburbs Committee where I was appointed to serve as Vice Chair for the coming year. Additionally, I gathered materials on numerous best practice solutions and innovations in order to share them with executive staff for informational purposes.

conference highlights with local interest:
1. Participated in a mobile walking tour of Civic Space Park.
This park is an urban park designed with sustainable features. Some of the design techniques generate power, keep the park cool, and capture rain water.
2. Participated in the Developing Downtown Density workshop where I was able to compare
Fairbourne project with similar projects and how to best turn downtown districts into a denser economic engine.
3. Was invited to a reception hosted by Waste Management to introduce our partnership and new CNG fleet to delegates from Western States.
4. Other delegates from Utah cities gathered for a caucus dinner with representatives from the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
5. Attending a screening of a documentary called “A Crack in the Pavement” which took a look at the changing economic and political climates in relation to municipalities funding infrastructure. Would like to arrange a viewing for a future study meeting.

Thank You

Just wanted to say thanks to the voters of West Valley for having the confidence to elect me to another term. I am honored to serve this community. Also a big thanks to those who helped out on the campaign and those that donated. Finally i want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Cole Wharton as well as the support and sacrifices made by my family, especially my wife Emily. There are a lot of great things happening in West Valley City and I excited to keep thing moving forward.

Top Ten Reasons

My campaign committee recently produce and distributed a postcard titled "Top Ten Reasons to Vote for Corey Rushton". I am grateful for the perspective and the support of this fine group consisting of: Mayor Winder, Senator Mayne, Representative Wiley, Ron Bigelow, Mary Jayne Newton-Davis, Barbara Thomas, Joe Garcia, & Renee Layton. Running a campaign or a city government requires a lot of teamwork and I am grateful to be a part of some very good teams. There has been some tremendous progress made in West Valley over the past few years and I am ready and excited to keep the momentum and keep moving forward. Below of the text of that postcard and the top ten reasons that my election committee came up with:

Top Ten Reasons to Vote for Corey Rushton:



10. Corey is a good listener and communicator. Check out his website and blog at www.coreyrushton.com or call him on his cell 801-879-8380.

9. He takes pride in being a sixth generation resident and is heavily invested in the long term prosperity of West Valley City.

8. Book Smart (Political Science degree and a Master’s of Public Policy) & Street Smart (Cleaned many ditches and picks the best tomatoes).

7. Councilman Rushton is well respected in government circles and skillfully represents West Valley City.

6. He is extremely dedicated and optimistic…He has to be, he is a Cubs fan!

5. Corey strengthens accountability and demonstrates a balanced approach during City Council meetings.

4. Have you seen the tremendous upgrades at Valley Fair Mall? Corey has been a strong advocate for business and economic development.

3. Frugal Corey is a penny pincher and has saved taxpayers millions by retiring and refinancing City debt.

2. He keeps public safety and the further reduction of graffiti and crime a top priority.

1. Corey Rushton is absolutely, positively the best person to keep West Valley City moving forward.

Continuous Flow Intersection

Just a quick post here as commuters rejoiced today after years of planning and months of construction work, the continuous flow intersection at Bangerter and 4100 South is now operating. Traffic congestion was immediately lessened in this area and turning on and off of the is less dangerous. Take caution and observe the new traffic flow patterns and observe new sign postings as right turns on red are now prohibited onto Bangerter as those in the continuous flow will have the right of way.

New Hilton Home 2 Suites Opening in Lake Park

it was nice to step away from our City Council study session last night to take a few minutes to officially cut the ribbon on the new Hilton Home 2 Suites in Lake Park. The facilities are very nice and contemporary and include meeting rooms, a fitness center, indoor poll, and patio area with fire pit. This is a great addition to West valley City and the business park. This will serve the many business people who commute to our State and region to who have work and dealings with some of the well known corporations of the area. The rooms were also very impressive and offer a variety of sizes and layouts. Each is equipped with a small kitchen area and a den like office area so guests can comfortably mix business and pleasure.

Endorsed by WVC Fire Fighters

I was thrilled to have received the endorsement from the West Valley Fire Fighters for my re-election bid to the City Council.

I will continue to work hard to make West Valley City a place with safe streets and livable pleasant communities. Public safety is the single most important thing that city governments provide and I m grateful to have the support of the men and women who's job it is to keep us safe. A portion of their letter to me states:

"[You] understand the challenges that face us, and the city as a whole. We want to thank you for supporting us during your last term and we hope to work with you again in the next term."

Again I wish to express my thanks for the tremendous amount of support that I have received during this campaign. West Valley City has taken some amazing strides and I am excited to keep West Valley City moving forward!

October City Council Message

This month the responsibility of producing the City Council message fell to me and I wondered what I could say in 350 words or less that would have some meaning. Below is what i came up with and was subsequently published in the West Valley Journal:

West Valley Pride & Perseverance
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton

On the last page and in the last lines of his personal history, my ninety-four year old Great Grandfather Rushton stated, “I pray that [West Valley] people will always be proud and accept the heritage of this great place on Earth.” I remember these words often as I am in various circles fulfilling City Council duties and am inevitably asked to designate a phrase that best describes what West Valley City is all about. When this conversation arises I find myself habitually talking about the great amount of pride that we have as a community and as individuals. This in turn leads into tales about great accomplishments throughout neighborhoods and businesses regarding perseverance through triumphs and tragedies. This “Can-Do Spirit” is the driving force behind the great progress that we have witnessed as a City and is found on many different levels.
I have observed numerous residents, far from their own property, cleaning up garbage and removing graffiti. I have listened to new shop owners at Valley Fair Mall recount the ups and downs of their business and how happy they are to be serving the people of West Valley. I have worked shoulder to shoulder with city staff and other elected officials in finding new ways to save money and in fighting to bring better transportation and redevelopment opportunities to the City. I express my thanks and gratitude to everyone who has the desire and who also put forth the effort to improve our West Valley City, especially those who endure life’s various setbacks.
I challenge all to develop and apply their “Can-Do Spirit” in new ways within their families and community. Imagine the potential of West Valley City in which this pride and perseverance was used to continually foster clean and beautiful neighborhoods, safe streets, and a bustling economy. Sometime prior to the birth of this great nation George Washington noted that, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” The ways that you demonstrate this essence in your West Valley community will translate into the continuing City pride that we all hope and pray for.

Election Information

With the primary election falling the the middle of September many people have emailed me looking for the primary election results. I was very grateful to have received over two thirds of votes cast in the At-Large Council race. I appreciate the support and thank you. Election information can be found here:

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/results_arch/2011Primary.html

and

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/index.cfm

or

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=1138

Come meet with your Police

Crime fighting and crime prevention is key to a vibrant West Valley City. I have often told residents that getting to know the Police department and how they operate is a good way for you to help them in helping you. This along with the huge popularity of some of our K-9 officers has spawned a new event that takes place on the second Saturday of every month at the Valley Fair Mall. Below are the details on this event that took place on Saturday and what you can look forward to in future events:


Public invited to get to know the West Valley City Police Department WHAT: 2 with Talos
WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2011 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Continues on the second Saturday of each month)
WHERE: Valley Fair Mall Center Court 3601 South 2700 West
West Valley City, UT 84119
WHO: Everyone is invited to this free event.
WHY: Beginning on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to get to know the West Valley City Police Department and their newest K9 officer, Talos, during a monthly 2 with Talos event at Valley Fair Mall.
2 with Talos, a partnership program between West Valley City and Valley Fair Mall, will provide residents an opportunity to meet and get to know the West Valley City Police Department. Visitors will get to meet and interact with Talos, a narcotics K9, and will receive his “paw”-tographed trading card (beginning in November). In addition, crime prevention information, home safety information, child ID kits and other helpful resources will be available at each event.
Talos is a member of the West Valley City Police Department K9 Unit and serves as a
narcotics K9. Talos’ trainer, Officer Steve Beardshall, works in the Community Services Section of the Police Department.
2 with Talos will be held on the second Saturday of every month, from 2:00 to 4:00
p.m., at Valley Fair Mall.
###

Valley Fair- Best is yet to come

Just a quick update as good news continues to come from the Valley Fair Mall area. There are many good things yet to come from that area as well as from the 5600 Corridor that are on the horizon. Below is an article highlighting the success of the City's economic development efforts and specifically the leading performer award given to the Olive Garden. We'll keep moving forward:


Economic Development Efforts Proving Successful In West Valley City
West Valley City – Economic development efforts at the center of Utah’s second-biggest city are moving forward full-force. The recent announcement of the City Center project – Fairbourne Station – and the continued development of the Valley Fair Mall are proving successful, as businesses and retailers continue to become involved with and thrive in one of the largest redevelopment projects in the state.
At Valley Fair Mall, the Olive Garden Restaurant has been recognized for the second consecutive year as the company’s leading performer among the restaurant’s 750 North American locations. Paul Schmitt, General Manager of the Olive Garden at Valley Fair Mall, has been presented with Darden Restaurants’ top honor – the Joe R. Lee Diamond Club Award – named after the company’s retired chairman and CEO.
Now in its 14th year, the award is presented annually to a General Manager in North America who demonstrates outstanding results by achieving top financial performance in the company’s previous fiscal year.
“I’m extremely pleased with the Olive Garden’s recognition, but not at all surprised,” says West Valley City Economic Development Director Nicole Cottle. “Our team has worked hard with the Valley Fair Mall to bring in tenants who are wanted and needed in West Valley City. Their success proves that our community
is ready for retailers and restaurants of their caliber.”
Economic development efforts in the heart of West Valley City are not limited to Valley Fair Mall.
Fairbourne Station, a major redevelopment effort encompassing the area between 3500 South and 3650 South and 2700 West and 3200 West, will begin taking shape this month as construction begins on a four acre park and a Hilton Embassy Suites Hotel, offering 162 guest rooms and 6,000 square feet of meeting
and banquet space.
“The synergy within West Valley City’s center is contagious,” continues Cottle. “In the coming months, our city will see several exciting developments built upon the successes of Fairbourne Station and Valley Fair Mall.”
For more information about West Valley City’s Fairbourne Station project, visit www.fairbournestation.com.
For more information about Valley Fair Mall, visit www.shopvalleyfairmall.com.

The Final Fore & Unveiling of the Stella 5 Stone

Friday was a busy day as I attended ceremonies for the FINAL FORE closing of Westridge and the reception and unveiling of the Stella Five Stone gift from Chiapas Mexico. The Stone will be on display permanently at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

Izapa Stella 5 is one of a number of large, carved stones found in the ancient Mesoamerica sites of Izapa, in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, Mexico along the present day Guatemalan border. These stones date from roughly 300 BC to 50 BC. This is also known as the "Tree of Life" stone, the complex imagery of Stella 5 has led to different theories and speculations concerning its subject matter. Though discovered and documented first in the 1930s, the stone is particularly noteworthy because of the controversy created by the proposition by Professor M. Wells Jakeman in 1953 that the stone was a record of the Book of Mormon "Tree of Life" vision. Regardless of the origins it is a magnificent gift for the City and was greeted with dignitaries from Mexico, The State of Utah, and of course West Valley City.

The final days for the West Ridge Golf Course as we know it are upon us. A small but fun little program including many past and present City Council members participated in a putting contest and enjoyed talking about the past present and future of the golf course. The bonds on the golf course were paid off last year and all changes and improvements come from damages and land paid for by the Department of Transportation. Below is a copy of the official WVC press release:


West Valley City – For more than 20 years West Ridge Golf Course has challenged golfers and offered some of the most breathtaking views in the Salt Lake Valley. On October 3, the course will close to undergo a reconfiguration to make way for the Utah Department of Transportation’s Mountain View Corridor project. Golfers are invited to enjoy the challenges and views at West Ridge during Final Fore! – the final week of play September 26 through October 2.
“The Mountain View Corridor cuts right through the back nine, leaving a number of holes that will need to be reconfigured,” says Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Astill. “It’s really not feasible to reconfigure just that portion of the course, so we have opted to close the course and revitalize the entire thing.”
The revitalized course will be designed by the Bates Golf Design Group, and will include a complete redesign and reconfiguration. Grading changes and hole direction changes are among the improvements golfers can expect. The existing clubhouse will be refurbished and upgraded.
“The new course will feature a classic design with multiple bent grass tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities,” says West Ridge Golf Pro Mike Richards. “The fairways will offer a mixture of Rye and Blue grasses and a variety of elevation changes to provide a challenging but fair game to even the best of golfers.”

The revitalized course is expected to reopen in July 2013.
Golfers wishing to enjoy the course one last time may call 801-966-4653 for a tee time. All golfers during the Final Fore! event will receive a commemorative gift.
###

New Granger High

It is hard to believe that almost a year ago I represented West Valley City by breaking ground at the new Granger High. The work and progress has been remarkable as the new school year begins and it was nice that the new football stadium was unveiled with a brief halftime ceremony over the weekend. The work on the school is also well underway as we all look forward to watching Utah's newest High School take shape.

Broadening the tax base--WVC #1

Periodically I am asked what we as a City are doing to keep taxes low? The simple and most universally accepted answer to this question is to broaden the tax base. We have done this in West Valley City by successfully attracting and retaining businesses and job centers and by investing in our community. I have often mentioned that as a direct result of West Valley City economic development efforts we have attracted over 2,215 jobs and well over $100 million dollars in private investment in the past year.

These efforts were again validated last week when the Sales Tax distribution numbers were released for June 2011. West Valley City led the State in year over year increase in sales tax revenues from June 2010 with a 15.9% increase. The statewide results came in at 9.9% meaning that West Valley City recorded 6 full percentage points better than the state average. Altogether it has been a great year during some tough economic times and I look forward to continuing to work hard in broadening our tax base while lowering rates.

References/Endorsements

With the meet the candidates event last night and the primary election just around the corner a number of people have expressed there desire to help and the simplest, yet most effective way to do so is to act as a reference or endorsement. If you would like to know more about me I would encourage you ask any of these people. Below is a collection that I have received to date:

WVC Mayor Mike & Karyn Winder
State Senator Karen Mayne
Representative Larry Wiley
Fmr Representative Ron Bigelow
Babara Thomas
Joe Garcia
Mary Jayne Newton Davis
Renee Layton

Carolynn Burt
Russell Brooks
Barry & Janice Fisher
Jeff & Mary Rassmussen
Mike Lee
Carma & Dan Evans
Pete Moesser
Don & Necia Christensen
Deanne Dix
Lynn & Traci Dickey
Jody & Darrick Porter
Jack Matheson
Russ Wall
Gordon Ottley
Peter Corroon
Mike & Marsha Branan
Steve Vincent
Ralph Becker
Holly Martak
Valorie Kemp
Phil Conder
Merrill & Christine Humberg
Sarra Mc Gillis & Justin Levet
Nichole Dunn
Annette Prickett
Joe Zabriskie
Ralph & Bernadette Astorga
Debbie Pienezza
Chris McCandless
Chase & Angelina Helm
Danny & Bobbi Castro
Jami & Craig Petersen

Property Tax Reciept

The past few weeks have left this blog a little empty as every spare minute that I had was used going through the City budget for this fiscal year. This has been a constant process ever since the City Council strategic plan meetings in February. Adjustments were even being made up to the last minute as we were set to bring this proposed budget to the regular City Council meeting. One of the other things that I have worked hard on during the past few weeks is the creation of the West Valley City property tax receipt calculator. Regardless of where anyone stands on the taxes and services questions, having a reliable, quick, and accurate tool in evaluating how much a household spends relative to their services received is something that every resident should have. The receipt also has some things that I found as a surprise. Namely the amount of money spent per household on round the clock police and fire service. I worked with our new City attorney in drafting up this resolution so that this tax receipt will remain official city policy in some form or another for years to come. I appreciate the suggestions and support from my colleagues on the City Council and for speedy work of the City staff in implementing this great tool.

You can find the tax calculator at http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=1115

The text of the resolution is below:


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH
RESOLUTION NO. ______________________
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROPERTY TAX
RECEIPT SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, West Valley City incorporated in 1980 to provide better service and planning control for its residents, among other things; and
WHEREAS, West Valley City provides essential municipal services such as police, fire
and public works; and
WHEREAS, to help fund these services West Valley City is authorized by Utah Code
Annotated §10-6-101, et. seq., to assess property taxes on residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is charged with appropriating those funds for the public good; and
WHEREAS, property tax funds are important to the financial stability and progress of
West Valley City; and
WHEREAS, education, public input, and transparency are all important parts of the budget process; and
WHEREAS, many safeguards and controls are in place to protect the integrity of public
funds; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of West Valley City, Utah, determines that it is in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of West Valley City to provide a property tax receipt to provide information on how property taxes are used to provide municipal services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of West Valley City,
Utah, that it be the policy and practice of West Valley City to provide a property tax receipt for the use and benefit of the taxpayers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the property tax receipt be made available by widespread and popular means so that all taxpayers may be better informed as to the services that West Valley City provides relative to the property taxes collected.

Parade Float/Chinese Gate

Today I was honored to represent West Valley City in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City. The float is a culmination of the past present and future of West Valley City. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center and the Jordan River regions were highlighted with kayak and the soon to be erected Chinese Friendship gate. Pioneer scenes were also depicted as this area was some of the first inhabited areas with dugouts as pioneers like Joseph Harker crossed over the river. The grounbreaking ceremony for teh Chinese Gate will take place on tuesday July 26. It is an excellent example of the City working with private groups, companies, and individuals to bring an outstanding addition to our City. Details of that event are below:




West Valley City Cultural Arts Board Breaks Ground on Chinese Heritage Friendship Gate

WHAT: Chinese Heritage Friendship Gate Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
WHERE: Utah Cultural Celebration Center 1355 West 3100 South
WHO: This event is free and open to the public.
WHY: The West Valley City Council, the Chinese Heritage Foundation of Utah and the Cultural Arts Board of West Valley City will celebrate the groundbreaking of a Chinese Heritage Friendship Gate, a symbol of the friendship between West Valley City and the local Chinese Community. The gate is scheduled for completion in July 2012 to commemorate the twelve-year anniversary of West Valley City’s Sister City relationship with Nantou, Taiwan. Tuesday’s event will include a Chinese orchestra and choir as well as a traditional Chinese Lion Dance. Visitors from China and the Chinese consulate in San Francisco are among VIPs who will be in attendance.

Campaign Kickoff

The Campaign Kickoff was a great event and I wanted to thank all of those that came and those that particiapted in the program. The corn on the cob eating contest featured Mayors Becker, Corroon, Winder, and Wall along with Senator Romero, and Sandy Councilman Chris McCandless. Mayor Wall got off to an early lead with his keep the cob spinning approach, but ultimately fizzled as Mayor Corroon's steady "typewriter' method surpassed Wall beating him by a less than 10 seconds. The mostly West Valley crowd cheered for a Winder rally, but let out a collective groan when he paused to take a drink and crack a joke with an equally struggling Mayor Becker. For winning Corroon received a Medal and $300 was donated to the Utah Food bank in his behalf. Raffle prizes were then drawn from the Corroon bucket and a number of prizes were awarded to attendees that placed their raffle tickets betting on a Corroon victory.

Campaign Kickoff Party

SAVE THE DATE!
Food Prizes Fun
You, your friends and family are invited to a Campaign Kickoff Party on
Wednesday July 20, 2011. 6:00-9:00 pm at 4441 South 5400 West WVC Utah 84120

Join with neighbors, friends, and elected officials to support the re-election of
Corey Rushton!

Mayors Winder, Corroon, Becker, Wall and other distinguished local and state officials compete in an old fashioned corn on the cob eating contest.

Official Candidate Filing & Election Committee

Yesterday my candidacy for re-election became official as I filed the proper paperwork with the West Valley City recorder. I was also excited to announce the members of my election committee and I am grateful for thier dedication and support. The committee has a wealth of experience from not only elected office, but in the community as educators, businesspeople, and public works. They are also well known for their work within their own neighborhoods and throughout the City. The following is a statement released by my campaign:

WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBER
COREY RUSHTON OFFICIAL FILES FOR RE-ELECTION; ANNOUCES MEMBERS OF ELECTION COMMITTEE


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – Councilmember Corey Rushton officially filed his candidacy with the West Valley City Recorder yesterday. Rushton also announced the members of his election committee which will oversee his campaign. With West Valley City as Utah’s second largest city, the city’s at-large council race will be this year’s largest political contest in the state of Utah, outside of the Salt Lake City’s mayoral race.

Rushton, who also serves as Mayor Pro Tem, filed candidacy paperwork early on Tuesday morning before the regularly scheduled City Council meetings in which he conducted. In regards to his official candidacy, Rushton noted that, “West Valley City has taken some great strides over the past few years, but there is still much work to do to keep our City moving forward.”

In his first term, Councilman Rushton has taken great strides in expanding the regional influence of West Valley City. Rushton serves as the Chair of the newly formed Jordan River Commission. The commission is comprised of several municipalities and agencies along the Jordan River and provides partnerships and assistance in preserving and planning along the river corridor. Additionally, he serves on the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, Chairman of the West Valley City Audit Committee, and as an appointed member of the First Tier Suburbs Steering Committee with the National League of Cities.

Councilman Rushton was also pleased to announce the membership of his election committee which includes well known current and former elected officials, appointed officials, and community activists. Committee members include: Mike Winder, Karen Mayne, Ron Bigelow, Larry Wiley, Barbara Thomas, Joe Garcia, Renee Layton, and Mary Jayne Newton Davis. Rushton noted that the assortment of committee members, “Have diverse expertise and represent various cross sections of West Valley City, and I am grateful for their support.”

****

Keep Up the Good Work -WVC Economic Development

Over the past few years the City Council has established lofty goals for economic development within the city limits. In order to have a thriving and vibrant City we need to diversify our revenue base and revitalize underutilized areas. By bringing in new businesses and expanding existing businesses both the City's image and the quality of life is greatly improved. Over the past ten years redevelopment project areas have yielded an increase in assessed City value by over $295 million dollars. Even in the past year of shaky economic times the City has been able to attract over 2215 new jobs and an astounding $112 million dollars worth of new capital investment. This new investment adds over 1.1 million dollars worth of sales tax revenue to City coffers which in turn essentially lowers the tax burden of property owners.

Last night members of the City Council and executive staff took a tour of some of the Economic Development sites within West Valley City to see the progress and recent accomplishments. Stops on the tour and highlights of the discussion are listed below with some of the names being withheld to protect ongoing negotiations:


Economic Development Tour
June 28, 2011

1. Fairbourne Station (office)
- Hines Company
- 200,000 sq/ft of class A office (6-8 stories)
- 60% pre-leased by mid-2012
- construction by spring 2013

2. Valley Fair Mall
- frontage road complete by Oct 2011
- eastside development after roadway complete
- front (north) development in 2011
- interior remodel in 2012-13

3. Granger Crossings area
Shops at Decker Lake remodel
- $1,700,000 capital investment
Green Papaya Plaza expansion
- $2,000,000 capital investment
-4 new businesses & restaurant
Saigon Market expansion
- $2,500,000 capital investment
- relocate Twamco
Paras Furniture remodel
Redwood Plaza remodel
Medallion Square
- $1,700,000 capital investment
Glen’s Tire
- $800,000 capital investment
- clean up area
4. Homeland Security office
- $12,000,000 capital investment
- 250 employees

5. Fortune 150 Company (Lake Pointe)
- high-tech support center; relocation to Utah
- $6,000,000 capital investment
- 500 employees (avg. wages $60K)

6. Green River Capital
- financial services company; relocation/expansion from So. Salt Lake
- $1,500,000 capital investment
- 400+ employees


Franklin Covey Campus
Dollar Financial Group
-financial services company; relocation to Utah
-$500,000 capital investment
- 200 employees
Carter Distribution
- distribution services; relocation to Utah
-$3,000,000 capital investment
-80,000 sq/ft; 80 employees
MarketStar
-marketing services; expansion from Ogden
- 50,000 sq/ft; 200 employees

8. Backcountry.com
- outdoor equipment retailer; consolidation/expansion of WVC site
- $2,000,000 capital investment
- 500+ employees retained or added
- $10,000,000 in annual sales at that site

9. Las Vegas Express
- distribution services; relocation to Utah
- $1,500,000 capital investment
- 45,000 sq/ft; 30 new employees

10. Cardinal Health (fortune 150 company)
- medical supply distribution and sales; retention in WVC
- 80 employees
- $10,500,000 in annual sales at that site

11. Intermountain Bobcat
- heavy equipment sales and service; relocation/expansion from Murray
- $3,000,000 capital investment
- 50 employees
- $10,000,000 in annual sales at that site

12. 201 Commerce Center
- “Project Leo” (in final stages of decision)
- manufacturing plant
- $190,000,000 in capital investment
- 2,000+ employees

13. Advanced H2O
- water bottling and distribution; relocation to Utah
- $10,000,000 capital investment
- 80 employees

14. Target
- 135,000 sq/ft store and 100,000+ sq/ft of surrounding retail
- $15,000,000+ capital investment
- $50,000,000 annual sales at that site
- 250 employees
- site prep in July; groundbreaking in Sept.

15. Lake Park Business Center
Legacy Offices at Lake Park
- class A office space
- pursuing several tenants
Hilton Home2 Suites
- $6,000,000 capital investment
- 30 employees
-$6,000,000 in sales at this site
Project X
- high-tech development center; relocation to Utah
-$3,000,000 capital investment
- 400 employees (wages at 150% of county average)

16. Fairbourne Station (hotel, residential)
- $60,000,000 capital investment (hotel & residential)
- hotel groundbreaking July 2011; grand opening fall 2012
- residential groundbreaking spring 2012; grand opening fall 2013

WestFest 2011

Just wanted to give a quick thanks to the many voltunteers and participants in this years WestFest. It seemed to go off without a hitch, but I know how much coordination and effort it takes to have a quality City Celebration. I am looking forward to the performace of the Utah Symphony that official ends the celebration. I am also looking forward to a bigger and better WestFest 2012.

School Events

Congratulations to all students that have made it through another school year. Within the final week or so of classes I was able to be involved in several activities and events to celebrate and commemorate the accomplishments of West Valley city students. During the regular meeting of the City Council top City students that attend Hunter, Granger, Cyprus, and Taylorsville were presented with the star of excellence award. The award is based on a GPA and standardized test scores. The Council Chamber was packed with proud parents as each student received their certificate and a handshake from the members of the Council.

The Hunter work based learning center invited me to attend their appreciation breakfast in which students reported on work internships that they had completed. Some students had performed clerical duties with West Valley City prosecutors office and are en route to further study law and courts. Others interned at newspapers, law firms, and one student recalled her experiences working at a mortuary.

The following evening I saw several of the same students as I was able to attend the Senior Awards Banquet at Hunter High and present the outstanding male senior award to Lopi Finau . There were many heroic stories of students and their strides in academic, athletic, and leadership roles. Many traditions have changed since the time that I attended Hunter High, but I am happy to see that the senior banquet proudly attended by parents and students.

Later that night I was able to help honor those that help keep our students safe at the annual crossing guards awards banquet. It was an honor to be amongst those that work to make our community a safer place. Many awards and prizes were presented to the appreciative and humble group. The Deseret News had a story on this banquet at:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373824/West-Valley-City-honors-crossing-guards-for-their-service.html

Finally, it is worth mentioning another successful school year by the Community Education Partnership. The after-school programs keep getting better each year as more and more students take advantage of the great learning activities. I am proud of the work of this organization and will continue to be supportive as a Councilmember and resident. I appreciate the Certificate of Appreciation that they presented to me.

Major Annoucements

Not much to elaborate on with two major West Valley City announcements. The City just keeps moving forward. Target has announced that they will build a store and anchor a new development on 5600 West. The 135,300 square-foot store will be built on a 39-acre parcel directly across the street from WinCo at 2550 South 5600 West. Target will be a welcome addition to the burgeoning 5600 West corridor and that location will draw customers not only from West Valley City, but also from Magna and even Tooele because of the easy access. The West Valley City store will also be the first prototype in the nation of Target's new-store model. The store will include an ample selection of groceries, but will not be labeled a Super Target.

Today was the unveiling of the mixed used City Center development henceforth to be known as Faribourne Station. West Valley City now has a new urban center focal point. Fairbourne Station will be a combination of retail space, office space, residential living space and even an upscale hotel, encompassing 40 acres right central to the City and the Salt Lake Valley. The name is taken from pioneer days when Fairbourne weigh station was the a hub and gathering place for our emerging community.

More information on the project as well as concept pictures can be found at:

http://www.fairbournestation.com/index.php

WVC Leadership Summit

On Thursday The West Valley City Leadership Summit was held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. This was a gathering of community leaders from various fields including education, ethnic, and religious leaders. It was a great opportunity to share insights and ideas concerning areas in which we can improve our City. All the leaders that attended were great to be with and I look forward to working with them to make some of the concepts that we discussed a reality. I was able to lead the breakout discussion concerning neighborhoods. I brought in a few interesting slides and facts to help facilitate the discussion, but overall the community leaders had no shortage of ideas. The following is a few points of discussion from our group meetings:

• How can neighborhoods better coordinate disaster preparedness?
• Good Landlord Program, increase in code enforcement. Are we focused correctly?
• How are we doing on graffiti?
• CERT program, connection/coordination between neighborhood organizations and City?
• City Grant / matching funds to make improvements?
• Neighborhoods lack sense of community and unity. Formal Groups needed?
• Vital Neighborhoods Needs?

From these discussions several action items were identified for further discussion and implementation. Other ideas will be brought back to the next summit for fut=rther input.

Annoucement

Today I was fortunate to be the featured guest on the radio program Politics Up Close. During the program I was able to talk about many of the good things that are going on in West Valley City. Also I took the opportunity to announce my candidacy for re-election to the West Valley City Council. Below is a copy of the press release issued for the event:




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 13, 2011


WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCILMEMBER COREY RUSHTON ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – Councilmember Corey Rushton announced today that he will seek a second four-year term as an At-Large City Councilmember in West Valley City. The announcement came during a segment of KCPW radio’s weekly edition of: Politics Up Close, in which Rushton was the featured guest. With West Valley City as Utah’s second largest city, the city’s at-large council race will be this year’s largest political contest in the state of Utah, outside of the Salt Lake City’s mayoral race.

During the live radio broadcast Councilman Rushton highlighted his involvement in several areas that have contributed to the great progress and overall quality of life in West Valley City. He also elaborated on some city initiatives that were in their infancy, but that would be of great benefit for generations to come. Rushton, who also serves as Mayor Pro Tem, mentioned an increased need for neighborhood vitality and public safety measures to be explored by the City Council. In regards to his decision to run, Rushton noted that, “As a sixth generation resident I am proud to have witnessed the growth and development of this great city, but we need to be innovative as we continue to keep West Valley City moving forward.”

In his first term, Councilman Rushton has taken great strides in expanding the regional influence of West Valley City. Rushton serves as the Chair of the newly formed Jordan River Commission. The commission is comprised of several municipalities and agencies along the Jordan River and provides partnerships and assistance in preserving and planning along the river corridor. Additionally, he serves on the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, Chairman of the West Valley City Audit Committee, and as an appointed member of the First Tier Suburbs Steering Committee with the National League of Cities.

In 2007, Rushton received the greatest number of votes in the history of West Valley City municipal elections. He is already on track to exceed pre-filing fundraising goals and has organized an extensive election committee that is co-chaired by West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder and State Senator Karen Mayne. “Our city is very fortunate to have Corey’s wisdom and energy,” said Winder. “Corey is very respected by his peers and works tirelessly to represent our city well,” added Mayne.

Logo Contest

Today as Chair of the multi-city/county agency, Jordan River Commission, I announced a contest to design the official agency logo. Some good prizes are associated with the contest from a number of fine businesses. The details are as follows:

Jordan River Commission

Commission Chair, Corey Rushton,

Will You Have the Winning Design for the Jordan River Commission Logo?

West Valley City, Utah – May 10, 2011 – The Jordan River Commission is holding a contest to select a design for the organization’s official logo. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton said, “We thought it would be a fun way to involve the community and to raise awareness of the river.”

Logo submissions should reflect the Commission’s role as a cooperative agency created to provide comprehensive oversight, coordination, and technical assistance to communities along the approximately 50-mile Jordan River corridor.

The Commission members have all come together with donations for a great prize package that you don’t want to miss.

The winner will receive:

• A $300 cash prize
• Four Real Salt Lake tickets
• Two Utah Grizzlies tickets
• Eight Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center passes, a gym bag and four work-out shirts
• Four Hale Center Theater tickets
• Two 2011-2012 Snowbird All Day Tram & Chairs tickets
• A Red Butte Garden annual membership
• $100 gift certificate to the Texas Roadhouse

Contest Sponsors include:

• City of Cottonwood Heights
• West Valley City
• Sandy City
• Red Butte Garden
• SWCA Environmental Consultants
• Hale Center Theater
• Real Salt Lake
• City of Taylorvsille
• Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
• Utah Grizzlies
• Texas Roadhouse
• Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Contest submissions are due no later than midnight on June 10, 2011 and should be emailed to lahanson@utah.gov. The winning design will be announced on June 17, 2011. See the Jordan River Commission website for Contest Details: www.jordanrivercommission.org.

High Runoff on The Jordan River

Today the Jordan River Commission released a statement regarding the dangers of surrounding the high water levels of the Jordan River. There is also some facts and tid bits provided. The statement reads:

Jordan River Commission calls for Caution as well as Collaboration on Jordan River

West Valley City, Utah - April 21, 2011 - Today the Jordan River Commission issued information regarding current conditions of the Jordan River during this high runoff season. In addition to exercising extreme caution, the Commission affirmed the need for increased collaboration between municipalities and groups in how to best utilize this natural resource. Furthermore the need for more education about recreating along the Jordan River was highlighted on Wednesday by the near-tragedy of a scout troop and their leader being washed away in the river’s flood stage flows.

The Commission asserts that boating and hiking along the Jordan River can be an enjoyable and appropriate activity but, individuals, families, and scout troops need to be educated and informed before they venture out onto the river. Safe paddling on the Jordan River requires knowledge of potential risks, safe entry and take outs and specific problem areas.

Formed in late 2010, the Jordan River Commission was created as an interlocal cooperation to implement the Jordan River Blueprint. The Blueprint is a regional vision developed through a collaborative process sponsored by Salt Lake County and Envision Utah. The Jordan River Commission is working to highlight the Jordan River as a resource for the community, preserve open spaces, and to manage development and preserve open space, and to promote safe recreation along the river’s approximately 50-mile corridor.

The Commission’s Executive Director, Laura Hanson said that projects that the Commission may undertake in the next year include development of educational materials and signage, completing the Jordan River Parkway trail, and better identification and awareness of river access points and hazards. Longer-term projects may also include removal or redesign of dangerous structures in the river. Hanson said, “We are working on establishing a technical committee of hydrology, recreation, land use planning, and engineering experts to craft a strategic approach to tackle problems like that which on Wednesday. We know of several specific problem areas for boaters, and in high flows like this new problems emerge.”

The Commission is excited to start working with experts and the community to promote safe recreation along the Jordan River. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton of West Valley City expressed his goal for better coordination and communication among all entities along the river corridor, “We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of the broader community so far, and we encourage more cities and organizations to participate in the Commission and contribute to this needed implementation effort.”

For those interested in boating in the Jordan River, here are a few key lessons from the Salt Lake County Swiftwater Search and Rescue team:

 Boaters should be aware of any area where water quickly changes elevation. Places where water drops off are called low-head dams. These low-head dams create a current that draws water and debris back towards the dam. The current can easily trap a person, tossing them back and forth like a washing machine.
 Watch for any horizontal line across the river as an indicator of a low-head dam. Exit the river well in advance of the hazard, and portage your boat around the problem area.
 Low-head dams are a safety hazard in any type of flow, but are especially dangerous in the spring runoff.
 The force of water increases as its volume increases. As water volume doubles, the force of the water quadruples. As it triples, the force is nine times stronger.
 As the weather warms and more families venture outdoors for picnics, it is important to remember to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and to warn children of the risks.
 The spring is the wrong time to be in or anywhere near the river for four reasons:
1. The water is very cold and can cause hypothermia. In addition the shock of such cold temperatures can cause people to black out almost instantaneously.
2. The water is muddy, visibility is low and high run off can drag fence posts, shopping carts and other debris into the water to created hidden hazards called keepers or strainers. People can easily become entrapped by the pressure of the water pushing them up against a strainer.
3. High flows result in very low clearance under bridges prohibiting boats from safely floating under.
4. A river current always moves you to the center of the stream. Even if you intend on floating along the edge of the river, you will be quickly pulled to the center.

The Jordan River flows through a metropolitan center of over one million residents, and is a spectacular resource for the residents of the region. It is home to many types of waterfowl and is a unique recreational experience. The Jordan River Commission facilitates entities Statewide in working together to celebrate and promote safe enjoyment of this resource.

Honor Society

Last night I was inducted into the Utah chapter at a special dinner of Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society. The keynote speaker was Dave Patton, PhD, director of the Utah Department of Health. As part of being recognized new inductees recited the oath and creed of the chapter which states: I pledge my support for the virtues and values of public service and for the advancement of public affairs education in the tradition of democratic governance. As a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, I shall uphold the highest ethical standards applying to public service and encourage and engage in meaningful interaction with other members. Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the national honor society formed to recognize and promote excellence in the study and practice of public policy and administration. Pi Alpha Alpha seeks to promote the advancement of quality in the education and practice of the art and science of public policy and administration. The purpose of Pi Alpha Alpha is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration, and to foster integrity, professionalism and effective performance in the conduct of government and related public service activities. Currently there are 143 chapters and almost 35,000 members nationwide.

DC Work

Below is a snippet of part of the written report that I presented to the City Council tonight regarding recent trip representing West Valley City in Washington DC:



COUNCILMEMBER RUSHTON
COUNCIL REPORT
MARCH 22, 2011
NLC CONFERENCE & FEDERAL MEETINGS
SUMMARY
During March 11-17 I attended and represented West Valley City at the National League of Cities Conference and during visits to the Utah delegation in and federal agencies in Washington D.C. The conference major speakers and presenters included Michelle Obama and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, among others. The conference at the Marriott Wardman began on Saturday and concluded Wednesday. Additionally, the steering committee I was appointed to was able to meet twice to discuss issues and set priorities for this year. The conference featured more than 30 workshops focused on economic development, safety, policy and programs. The Congressional visits with both staff and members of Congress were received well and West Valley City’s participation within the new political climate was explored earned praise for their partnerships and long term outlook. Meetings with Intergovernmental Affairs offices at the White House and Transportation Department were used to acquaint these offices with City Center development as the premier TOD in the region.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WITH LOCAL INTEREST:

1. Conference focused on Infrastructure investment and preserving federal block grant programs.
2. Senator Hatch introduced new Grants Liaison position to help coordinate efforts with federal departments.
3. The Utah League of Cities and Towns arranged a dinner for Utah delegates. Additionally, a breakfast was held with members of Congress featuring a question and answer period.

AGENDA ITEMS:

a. Funding Requests included: West Valley City Center, Salt Lake Area Chief’s Alliance Forensic/DNA Lab, & West Valley City Cross Town Trail. Probed each member of Congress for willingness and methods for to support applications.
b. Preserve full funding for CDBG program at $4 billion to address community needs, including infrastructure, small business assistance, training, and employment.
c. Additional Secondary items included: Post Office, UTOPIA, gang prevention & violence against women programs.

West Valley City Transparency Standard

Today in a full City Council chamber the West Valley City Council unveiled our transparency standard and received an A plus rating for website transparency. It is once again refreshing to see our City lead the way on important issues. Below are the listed points of how as a City we will work to keep West Valley City the most open government in the state:

West Valley City – Today the West Valley City Council announced a seven-point West Valley City Transparency Standard, an initiative aimed at making West Valley City the most accessible and transparent municipality in the state. Representatives from the Sutherland Institute and the Utah Foundation for Open Government (UFOG) were present, supporting West Valley City’s efforts.

The seven points of the West Valley City Transparency Standard are:
1. West Valley City has a long and rich history of being more open than state GRAMA laws require, and this tradition will continue. Texts, instant messages, and other electronic communications will still be considered public documents in our city.
2. We will continue to make government employee salaries and wages, and who those wages are going to, public, and feel that the people should know what they are paying those who work for them.
3. The Council’s schedule of public events shall be made public and posted on the city website.
4. All city elected officials using blogs or Facebook commit to keep their privacy settings as “open” so that in these popular social media setting their conversations will be public.
5. Because transparency is especially critical in campaign finances, we will change the “may” to a “shall” in our ordinances, so that those who fail to submit their campaign financial disclosures on time shall be removed from the ballot.
6. Occasionally the taxpayer is stuck footing the bill for large GRAMA records requests such as when a developer in 2004 required West Valley City to conduct a records gathering job that consumed $30,000 for which the city was only able to collect $10,000. We appreciate the Utah Legislature working on developing reasonable charges as part of the state GRAMA program that protects both the taxpayer and the right of the free flow of information in a free society.
7. We have worked to meet all ten recommendations for an open and transparent municipal website, becoming one of the first cities in the state to receive an A+ rating.

Published Open Letter to WVC Residents

Below is a copy of the open letter to WVC Residents as published in Update section of the March 16th edition of the West Valley Journal. The basic premise of the narrative is illustrate how it is the City's job to make a place good, but only individual efforts can truly make a City great:

Great Cities
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton

One of life’s most fulfilling endeavors involves the subtle rewards of turning something good into something great. One of my first memories of this marvel occurred when I was a young boy and wondered why the pancakes that my grandmother made were so much better than any other pancakes. Even as a youngster I understood that pancakes were a relatively simple recipe and that the flavor between makers didn’t differ much. However grandma’s creations were authoritatively delectable and the greatness of those pancakes was a mystery that my sisters and I would repeatedly try to explain. Theories between us ran rampant and details of greatness included speculation surrounding: the brand of butter, adjusting stove temperature, and even a careful analysis of the antique pancake pan that grandma had inherited from her pioneer grandmother.

Similarly the recipe for a great West Valley City lies within those hard to explain slight, but significant, contributions of the residents. Many of the obvious good things in our community are being put into place, but ultimately it is up to each resident to turn them into great things. We have been quietly raising the standard of expectations in West Valley City and need everyone to do their part. Thriving business and entertainment districts, efficient transportation, and clean, safe neighborhoods require everyone’s involvement. The means in which you could labor to make our City great are too diverse to mention. But, if you don’t know what your role is in a great West Valley City then please evaluate yourself, your property, and your neighborhood and I am confident that you will find new ways to contribute. Additionally the City’s website and WVC-TV offer many ideas, programs, and civic committees that could benefit from your participation.

I challenge all to incorporate this greatness principle on an individual level and I ask everyone to look for new ways to innovate, to reinvest in their homes, and to find new ways to be productive members of the community. As he tirelessly worked to reshape his country, Mohandas Gandhi noted that, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world; as in being able to remake ourselves.” Your slight, yet significant contributions will foster greatness in West Valley City for years and generations to come.

Public Transit Changes

With the coming of the West Valley and West Jordan Trax service the Utah Transit Authority will be making changes to schedules and service.  As part of the planning process UTA has developed alternative service scenarios.  With the impending changes UTA will be holding public hearings across the county to receive input and to fine tune final schedule arrangements.  The public meeting held at West Valley City Hall will be Thursday March 17th from 5-7 pm.  If you use transit attendance at this or one of the other meeting would be helpful not only for yourself, but for the decision makers at UTA.  I am looking forward to expanding quality transit options in West Valley City

Community Membership in the Jordan River Commission

As Chair of the Jordan River Commission I recently sent out a notice to any interested businesses, non-profits, or individuals with a desire to protect and promote the Jordan River to apply as a Ex-Officio member. As a commission we realize that we need a wide variety of expertise to successfully manage and maintain the Jordan River. To accomplish this the by-laws of the Commission allow for up to one third of the membership to be ex-offico members that are appointed by the rest of the board. The official press release is below:

Jordan River Commission Seeks Ex Officio Members
West Valley City – The Jordan River Commission today announced that it is seeking interested community partners to join the commission as ex officio members. Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals with an interest in the preservation and enhancement of the Jordan River are encouraged to apply.
“We are eager to involve the various groups in our community who have a passion for the Jordan River,” says West Valley City Councilmember At Large and Jordan River Commission Chair Corey Rushton. “We look forward to collaborating with them in preserving and promoting this important resource.”
Those interested in becoming ex officio members should contact Corey Rushton at 801-963-3346 or corey.rushton@wvc-ut.gov to express interest and begin the application process. Applications will be reviewed at the Commission’s April meeting.
The Jordan River Commission was established in June 2010 in an effort to preserve and protect the Jordan River. The Commission helps facilitate orderly planning and development while protecting individual jurisdictions’ ability to govern their own area. In addition, the commission promotes and supports the “Blueprint Jordan River” document created by Envision Utah, which has set guiding principles and goals for protecting the Jordan River and developing it as a community resource.
# # #

School Crossings

I am extremely proud and grateful to the good group of individuals that serve in our community as school crossing guards. Often unnoticed and unsung they consistently provide a valuable service and provide added safety to our community. It is also heartwarming to see them perform their duties with a smile on their faces and how they have garnered the adoration of the neighbors and children in which they serve. Below are a couple of links to some recent news articles that I found interesting. They display a new crossing tool utilized in various communities across the nation. Take a quick look and let me know what you think:

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/speedzapper/story/Logan-community-takes-action-to-slow-down-speeders/LcTT3feYYkS95hCuEJi_xQ.cspx

http://news.hjnews.com/news/article_715477c2-032f-11e0-813d-001cc4c03286.html